Victor brought his fiancée over to meet the family. What if they dont like me? Mabel fretted as they stepped onto the front lawn. Impossible! Youre the best Ive got, Victor reassured, flinging open the front door.
In the hallway, Victors mother, Evelyn Whitcombe, greeted them. Mum, this is Mabel, Victor announced. You said youd introduce your bride, his mother said, eyeing Mabel. Well, here she is! Victor beamed. Strange, Evelyn muttered, but that was only the start of Mabels unforgettable first day with Victors parents.
Mabel fell for Victor at first sight. The tall, blond chap with clear blue eyes won her over with his calm, sensible nature and gentle kindness. Despite a tenyear age gap, Victors prior marriage and a teenage daughter, Mabel gladly agreed to marry him.
When they entered the sitting room, Victors future motherinlaw let out a dissatisfied huff. You said youd bring your fiancée, she said. Well, shes right here! Victor said cheerily. Really? Evelyn shrugged and retreated to another room. I halfexpected youd hired a housekeeper instead.
Mabel, feeling a bit bewildered, asked Victor what to make of the chilly reception. Dont mind her, Victor soothed. Mum just cant take a joke.
All evening Evelyn, pretending not to notice Mabel, launched into stories about Victors exwife, Margaret. Maggie used to call you all the time, asked about your health, and would turn up with a freshly baked cake. Ive never had such a cake in my life! she said, rolling her eyes at Mabel. Mabels a brilliant housewife too, Victor replied, wrapping an arm around her.
Is that so? Evelyns voice dripped with patronising sweetness, making Mabel want to bolt. Where will you live? Ive already turned your bedroom into a walkin wardrobe, Victor.
Dont worry, Mum, Mabel has her own flat, Victor said, preparing to leave.
Victor, Im sure Ive displeased your parents, Mabel whispered as they stepped out.
Youre overreacting. Rita, the daughter of my dads old business partner, is just a friend. My father and Leonard have been pals for ages. Rita and I were set up as kids, married young, and when our daughter Sophie was born I realised Rita was a terrible wife she cared only for shopping and parties. I thought we could part amicably, but she clung on, and after a long court battle Sophie stayed with her.
Why is your mum so fond of her? Mabel asked.
Rita was a useful ally. Our families do business together. Mum will get used to you; youre the best girl in the world, shell see that.
After the wedding Evelyns attitude soured. Where before she pretended not to notice Mabel, now she blurted out how bad a cook Mabel was, how she didnt look presentable next to her son. Fix your hair, wear proper makeup, dress decently! Where do you spend Victors wages looking like that? she snapped.
Victor overheard and snapped back, Mum! One more remark like that and Ill cut off contact. Stop it, or Ill speak to Dad! Mabel is the most wonderful woman and I love her!
From then on Evelyn toned down her attacks, but she doubled down on praising Margaret. Meanwhile Margaret, who had never phoned Victor before, suddenly became chatty.
Victor, youve stopped seeing Sophie! Shall we all get together this weekend? she cooed over the phone.
You never let me see my child! Victor snapped. Ill take her on the weekend myself, without you!
But Im her mother! Margaret protested. How can I let her go?
Youll send her to her real father! Victor retorted. And youve got a new girlfriend now, dont you? Margaret sneered.
Unlike you, Mabel is kind, caring, and will look after Sophie just fine, Victor added, hanging up and giving Mabel a reassuring glance.
Would love to meet your daughter, Mabel smiled.
A few days later a little girl with bright orange curls and eyes the colour of Victors own peered shyly from the doorway. Sophie clung to her dad. Lets have tea, Mabel suggested brightly, instantly falling for the child as she had for Victor.
At first Sophie was nervous and hid, but Mabels persistence won her over and soon the girl behaved like any other child. Margaret began bringing Sophie over more often, claiming the girl was bored. Mabel and Victor enjoyed the chaos, and Sophie responded in kind.
One afternoon, while Victor was out, Sophie confided, Mum never talks to me.
How so? Mabel asked.
When Im back, she sends me to my room and tells me not to bother her. She never plays or goes anywhere with me. Can I live with you? Sophie burst into tears.
Id love that, sweetheart, but Im sure your mum wont agree.
Why not? She doesnt need me anyway! Sophie wailed.
Mum loves you, love. Shes just busy.
Busy doing what? She doesnt work! Shes always out with her friends or shopping. She never takes me!
Alright, dear, Ill speak to your dad. Hell sort something out, Mabel said, smoothing Sophies curls.
Victor, hearing the conversation later, mused, Ritas being stubborn. She doesnt want a daughter, but she likes to remind me I left her. Ill figure something out.
Days passed, and Victor still couldnt win Margaret over to hand over Sophie, even as she kept shuttling the girl back and forth.
When Mabel discovered she was pregnant, the couples joy knew no boundsuntil Margaret showed up, as usual, with Sophie in tow. The little girl refused to look at anyone but her dad.
Youve betrayed your daughter by having another baby! Margaret hissed and stormed out of Victor and Mabels flat.
Sophie, love, whats happened? Why are you upset? Mabel asked.
I dont belong here any more! Youre having a baby, and Im not needed! Sophie shouted, pulling her hand away. Now you have a new child!
Mabel and Victor tried to comfort her, assuring her she would always be their beloved child. Sophie calmed down, but kept a wary distance.
A short while later their son, Danny, was born. Margaret, on a whim, booked a holiday, leaving Sophie with Victor.
Youre doing this on purpose! Victor fumed. You know Mabel is swamped with the baby, Im at workwholl look after Sophie?
I havent a clue, darling, Margaret sang, You wanted Sophie back, so why have another?
Enough, Victor muttered, but the line clicked with a long silence.
Dont worry, love, Mabel whispered, touching his shoulder, Its actually good that Sophies with us. Shell help.
Surprisingly, Sophie took to caring for her brother, changing nappies, rocking him, and later theyd sit with tea and gossip like old friends. When Margaret returned, Mabel tearfully said goodbye to Sophie.
Christmas approached. Evelyn invited Victors family to celebrate at her parents house. Mabel felt something was off, but Victor reassured her.
I dont think Mum will ruin the holiday. My dad will keep things in order, and youll finally get a break from the housework. Grandparents will lend a hand!
Victors father, a stern yet fair man with a twinkling beard, was beloved. Yet Evelyn found a fresh way to put Mabel down. She summoned Margaret, who arrived looking stunning in a designer dress, flawless hair and makeup, stealing Evelyns attention.
Grandma barely glanced at her granddaughter. Victor, his dad, and even Sophie helped Mabel, who sighed in relief as Danny finally fell asleep.
When Victor, his dad, and his exfatherinlaw slipped away for a mens chat, Evelyn launched into a glowing monologue about Margaret, recalling their childhood antics and joking about how Victor had left such a wonderful girl. Her laughter woke Danny, who began wailing, much to Evelyns chagrin.
Oi, Mabel! Whats this? Why is your baby crying? Cant you calm him? Rita never had a fuss like this! Evelyn scolded.
Mabel, tears forming, rushed to the nursery, her voice shaking. Whats wrong, love? she asked Danny.
Sophie, suddenly loud, shouted, Youre a terrible grandma! You only gossip and shop! You cant do anything! Dad pays for everything and you just spend it! Mabel Mabel you should have been my mum! The room fell silent as Sophie sobbed and bolted out, knocking over the baffled men at the doorway.
Mabel dressed Danny, who was now snoozing, and fled the house, refusing to stay another second. Suddenly tiny hands grasped her.
Mabel, can I come with you?
Sophie, love, wholl let us? Mabel replied, hugging her tight, tears streaming.
Anyone will, shouted Victor from the hallway. Sophie, dear, you can go with Mabel if shes okay with it.
Thanks, Dad! Victor entered, grinning as he pushed a sled down the snowcovered street, his favourite girls laughing behind him.
